Katarzyna Petru
It seems that Sky is increasingly preparing to say goodbye to satellite television. Although this process is taking place quietly and without official announcements, the company's recent decisions clearly indicate the direction of the changes.
Sky begins withdrawing ChooseTV for new customers
Satellite television has just taken another step towards extinction. Sky has stopped selling the ChooseTV service to new customers online. This means that the classic satellite offering can no longer be ordered through the website or app. Existing customers can still manage their accounts via My Sky or the Sky website, but new customers are automatically directed elsewhere.
ChooseTV is a traditional satellite television service that requires the installation of a dish on a building and a regular subscription fee. The service is not disappearing completely just yet. As noted by What HiFi, new customers can still order it in Sky’s physical stores or… by calling the helpline. However, this is increasingly less promoted and becoming a more niche path.
ChooseTV Stream instead of an antenna and installer
Anyone who tries to sign up for Sky online today goes directly to ChooseTV Stream, which is an offer entirely based on streaming over the internet. The basic package costs £15 a month with a 24-month contract and includes selected Sky channels and access to Netflix. Optionally, you can purchase add-ons such as Sky Kids, Sky Movies, Disney+, Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
The whole thing works on a small device known as a puck, which connects directly to the television. The installation is quick and incredibly simple. There’s no antenna, no drilling, no technician visit with a ladder. All you need is the internet, a remote control, and you’re set.
Satellite loses out to convenience
Considering the simplicity of Sky Stream, it's no surprise that Sky is gradually phasing out Sky Q. The company isn't putting too much pressure on current satellite customers for now, but it's easy to foresee the moment when they will stop installing antennas altogether. At that point, it will be a natural step for users to migrate to the streaming offering. From Sky's perspective, this makes sense. Streaming is cheaper to maintain, simpler to operate, and doesn't require servicing infrastructure on rooftops. Antennas can break, need adjustments, and incur costs. The internet does not.
ChooseTV Glass as an alternative, but without the "wow" effect
An alternative to ChooseTV Stream is ChooseTV Glass, which is a TV with the ChooseTV service built-in. This year, the second generation of ChooseTV Glass was presented, but the reactions were rather lukewarm. It is still quite an average LCD TV with HDR, lacking Mini LED and OLED. It's hard to speak of premium here. A plus is the option to purchase it in instalments, which may be attractive to some customers. An even cheaper option is ChooseTV Glass Air, a simplified version costing from £6 per month, stripped of some features and add-ons.
The end of the antenna era is only a matter of time
Sky has not officially announced the end of satellite television, but all signs in the sky and on the roof point to it. Sky Q is slowly disappearing from the offer, and the company's future clearly belongs to streaming. Satellite antennas will be with us for a little longer, but it seems their days are numbered.
